HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) - Two health care companies have ended talks about the prospect of merging two Hot Springs hospitals.

Capella Healthcare of Franklin and Mercy Health of Chesterfield, Mo., said Thursday that talks are no longer taking place about merging National Park Medical Center and Mercy Hot Springs.

Arkansas Business reports (http://is.gd/V7XZbx ) reports that the talks had gone on for more than a year and would have brought the facilities under Capella's ownership.

An asset purchase agreement expires this week.

The Catholic Church had to approve any deal because of its connection to Mercy Health.